HARRISBURG— The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to add members with expertise in sexual assault prevention and service provision, and those who represent sexual assault survivors to the task force it has appointed to oversee the creation of the $60 million endowment from the fine imposed on Penn State University.

“We appreciate the diligence the NCAA has demonstrated in appointing a task force to determine the guidelines, criteria and funding priorities as well as fiscal management of this endowment,” said Delilah Rumburg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR). “However, we are sorely disappointed that the task force membership lacks the voices of victims and survivors, those who serve them, and accomplished experts in sexual abuse prevention.”

The task force membership is comprised of university leaders and academics from across the country, and representation from foundations who manage large endowments.

“Experts in sexual assault prevention can provide insight into the most effective programs and help evaluate proposals for the right ingredients,” Karen Baker, Director of NSVRC. “Creating effective prevention programs, ones that actually change societal beliefs and personal attitudes and behaviors, require the knowledge of experts in the field.”

The NCAA also announced that only 25 percent of the funds would be allocated for Pennsylvania organizations who meet the criteria to be set by the task force. Similar to views expressed by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, PCAR believes that the majority of the endowment disbursements should be allocated to Pennsylvania-based sexual assault services, investigations and prevention programs.

“This endowment is being created by a fine imposed only on Penn State – not other universities. Pennsylvania-based dollars need to support Pennsylvania efforts to prevent, investigate and treat sexual abuse,” Rumburg said.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is the oldest state anti-sexual violence coalition in the U.S. The organization represents 50 sexual assault centers that serve the state’s 67 counties. Each year these centers provide education and confidential services, at no charge, to more than 30,000 men, women and children affected by sexual abuse.

Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape in 2000, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center identifies, develops and disseminates resources regarding all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention.

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